Waterville seeks $6.68 million Transportation Alternatives grant; receives smaller transit and public‑works awards

City staff reported several grant actions and awards during the Aug. 25 Waterville City Council meeting, including a major application for pedestrian and overlook improvements and two smaller grants already awarded.

Municipal Administrator John Hovlich told the council the city submitted a Transportation Alternatives Fund application for the Roche des Booth overlook and pedestrian path improvement project. Hovlich said the project was priced at $6,680,000, with an 80% grant request equal to roughly $5,344,000 and a city match of about $1,336,000 (Hovlich’s statement, transcribed: "So so that is $6,680,000 project. It's an 80% grant request. So that'd be about 544,000. And the city's match would be a 136,000" — note: Hovlich presented the grant-share math in the meeting; staff follow-up needed to confirm the correct grant/match distribution in published materials).

Hovlich also said the city received a $90,000 grant from the Lucas Area Regional Transit authority (TARTA) for the Canal Road improvement project (project cost estimated at $338,000) and a $166,972 award from Ohio Public Works, which together reduce the city’s share for those projects. Finance staff confirmed the city’s consolidated cash balance and year‑to‑date revenue and expenditure positions in the second-quarter financial report presented at the meeting.

Finance Director Tiffany presented second-quarter figures: general fund revenue at 57.87% of budget and total cash balances of approximately $13.8 million at the end of July. The treasurer confirmed revenues and reconciliations through July.

City staff said grant outcomes and these financial metrics will be incorporated into department budgets and capital planning as awards are finalized and matches are confirmed. The council asked staff to continue coordinating grant administration and to return with any required budget amendments.